15 Fascinating Hidden Facts About Cats

Cats Lovers

Introduction

Cats communicate with humans in a unique way. They exclusively meow for people, not other cats. Meowing is a taught behavior that cats use to gain attention, food, or affection from their owners/people. Cats can also vary their meows to convey different messages, such as greeting, requesting, protesting, or expressing pain.
Cats are very sensitive to vibrations. They can sense an earthquake before it happens by feeling the tremors in the ground. They can also hear sounds that are too high-pitched for humans to hear, such as the ultrasonic squeaks of mice and other rodents. Cats have an excellent sense of balance and can land on their feet most of the time thanks to their flexible spine and vestibular system.
Cats have a vomeronasal organ (VNO) that helps them to detect pheromones and other chemical signals. The VNO is placed behind the teeth in the roof of the mouth. Cats use it by curling their upper lip and opening their mouth slightly, a behavior known as the flehmen response. This helps them to identify the sex, reproductive status, health, and mood of other cats and animals. Cats are extremely flexible and can live in virtually any environment. Except for Continent Antarctica, they have been discovered on every continent. Some cats, such as feral cats in Australia, fishing cats in Asia, and sand cats in Africa, have even adapted to life in the wild. Cats can also survive in extreme temperatures, such as the Siberian cats that can withstand -40 degrees Celsius and the desert cats that can tolerate 52 degrees Celsius.
Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, with over 600 million domestic cats worldwide. There are also over 70 breeds of cats recognized by various cat registries. The most common breed is the domestic shorthair, which is a mix of different breeds and has no specific characteristics. The most popular purebred cat is the Persian, which is known for its long fluffy coat and flat face.
Cats and humans have a long and complicated history. They were domesticated some 10,000 years ago in the Near East, most likely as a result of mutual gain from rodent control and friendship. Cats were revered in ancient Egypt as sacred animals and were often mummified and buried with their owners. Cats were also associated with witchcraft and evil in medieval Europe and were persecuted and killed during the Spanish Inquisition and the Black Death.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Love for Cats 

Our dear Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) acquired a black and white Abyssinian cat.

It was nursing her kitten during the Uhud campaign. As a result, he changed his soldier's course. He adopted the cat and named it "Muezza" when he returned. Muezza was sleeping on one of His robe sleeves when the call to prayer was being recited. 

The Prophet (PBUH) desired to pray while dressed in the garment. He didn't want to wake her up, so He chopped the arms off the robe to allow her to sleep peacefully. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) then stroked Muezza three times, granting her seven life. She also gained the ability to always land on her feet. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was so attached to His cat that he even allowed her to sit on His lap and drank the water Muezza had consumed previously.

He (PBUH) also used to conduct ablutions with His cat's water. The Prophet (PBUH) was also seen treating His pet in the same way as cat lovers do nowadays. Even pet owners, however, are hesitant to drink their cat's water for fear of contracting infections from their saliva. The Prophet (PBUH) used to adore everything.
Cats have a remarkable ability to heal themselves. They have a high pain tolerance and can endure injuries that would be fatal to other animals. They can also regenerate damaged tissues and bones by activating stem cells in their body. Cats have a faster metabolism than humans and can recover from illnesses more quickly. They also have a lower risk of developing cancer than other mammals.
Cats have complex social structures and behavior. They are not solitary animals but rather form colonies with other cats based on kinship and territory. They communicate using vocalizations, body language, facial expressions, and scent marking. They also form bonds with humans and other animals through grooming, rubbing, nuzzling, and purring. Cats can also express emotions such as happiness, anger, fear, frustration, and sadness.
Cats have a rich and diverse culture and mythology. They have been featured in many art forms, such as paintings, sculptures, literature, music, film, and animation. They have also inspired many legends and folklore, such as the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, the Cat Sith from Celtic mythology, the Maneki Neko from Japan, and the Bastet from Egypt.
Cats have a unique personality and intelligence. They are curious, playful, independent, and sometimes stubborn. They can learn new skills and tricks through observation and imitation. They can also solve problems and manipulate objects with their paws. They have a good memory and can recognize the faces and voices of familiar people and animals. They also have a sense of humor and can enjoy teasing and pranking their owners.

Cats, those enigmatic and enchanting creatures that grace our homes with their presence, have a long history of captivating human hearts. Whether you're a dedicated cat lover or simply find these mysterious felines intriguing, numerous hidden facts about cats often go unnoticed. In this article, we will delve into the world of cats and unearth Fifteen Fascinating Facts that might just amaze you.

Fascinating hidden facts about cats

1. Mysterious Communication

Cats possess a wide array of communication techniques beyond the simple "meow." Their intricate body language, including tail movements, ear positions, and eye expressions, helps convey their feelings and intentions. When a cat slowly blinks at you, it's often seen as a gesture of trust and affection, a secret communication known as the "cat kiss."

2. Astounding Jumping Abilities

Cats are renowned for their incredible jumping prowess. With their powerful leg muscles and flexible spines, they can jump up to six times their body length in a single leap. What's more astonishing is their ability to twist their bodies in mid-air, ensuring they land on their feet – a feat known as the "righting reflex."

3. Paws of Silence

Cats have a unique way of walking that minimizes noise. Their paw pads are not only soft but also equipped with tiny, retractable claws that leave minimal marks and sound as they tread. This adaptation evolved from their wild ancestors' need for stealth during hunts.

4. Ancient Origins

Cats have a rich history that spans millennia. While they are often associated with ancient Egypt, where they were revered and even worshipped, evidence suggests that cats were also held in high regard in other cultures. A 9,500-year-old grave in Cyprus revealed a human buried alongside a cat, providing a glimpse into the deep connection between humans and cats in ancient times.

5. Whisker Magic

Whiskers, or vibrissae, aren't just adornments – they serve a vital purpose in a cat's sensory perception. These long, sensitive hairs are loaded with nerve endings that help cats navigate their surroundings. Whiskers can detect even the slightest changes in air currents, enabling cats to determine whether they can fit through tight spaces or if an object is too close.

6. Purr-plexing Healing Abilities

The soothing sound of a cat's purr not only delights humans but also possesses potential healing properties. The low-frequency vibrations of a cat's purr are believed to stimulate the production of bone and muscle tissue, promote wound healing, and even alleviate pain. So, when your cat purrs while snuggled up to you, it might be aiding its own recovery as well.

7. Mesmerizing Night Vision

Cats are expert nocturnal hunters, thanks to their exceptional night vision. A layer of cells at the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, reflects light back through the retina, enhancing their ability to see in low-light conditions. Their eyes also contain a higher concentration of rod cells, enabling them to detect motion and distinguish between shades of gray.

8. Individual Nose Prints

Just as humans have unique fingerprints, each cat has a distinctive nose print. The pattern of ridges and bumps on a cat's nose is as individual as a human's fingerprint and can be used for identification purposes. This has led to the development of "nose print" scanners that identify and track cats in shelters and veterinary clinics.

9. Historical Feline Familiars

Throughout history, cats have often been associated with magic and mystery. In ancient Egypt, they were revered as symbols of grace and protection. During the Middle Ages, they were linked to witchcraft and superstition, and many believed they had special powers. Cats' mystique and independence have contributed to their role as both cherished companions and enigmatic creatures.

10. Astonishing Diversity in Coat Colors

Cats come in an astonishing array of coat colors and patterns. While they are commonly associated with shades of gray, black, and white, they can also display hues ranging from ginger and calico to tortoiseshell and tabby. The intricate interactions of different coat color genes result in a myriad of unique and beautiful feline coats.

11. Catnapping Experts

Cats are renowned for their ability to relax and snooze for extended periods. On average, cats sleep for around 12 to 16 hours a day, and some can even sleep up to 20 hours. This habit stems from their wild ancestors' need to conserve energy between hunts. Their sleep patterns vary, with short bursts of activity followed by extended periods of rest.

12. Box Enthusiasts

The affinity cats have for cardboard boxes is more than just a quirky behavior. In the wild, cats seek out enclosed spaces for safety and security, and a box provides the perfect hiding spot from potential threats. This instinctual drive remains strong in domesticated cats, making a simple cardboard box a source of comfort and amusement.

13. Ancient Connection to Agriculture

Cats have played a significant role in agriculture throughout history. Farmers and traders in ancient civilizations recognized their value in controlling rodent populations, which could devastate crops. As a result, cats became essential companions in grain storage areas and earned their keep by protecting valuable food supplies.

14. Cat’s Paw: A Mark of Craftsmanship

In ancient times, cats were valued not only for their hunting prowess but also for their role in preserving delicate manuscripts. Monks and scribes often kept cats in scriptoria, where they would chase away rodents that could damage the precious manuscripts. The term "cat's paw" originally referred to a clever technique of using a cat's footprints to create a distinctive mark in the text, ensuring its authenticity.

15. Feline Sixth Sense

Cats have been long associated with an uncanny ability to sense impending natural disasters, such as earthquakes. While the scientific validity of this claim is still debated, some researchers suggest that cats' acute senses, particularly their heightened sensitivity to vibrations and changes in air pressure, could contribute to their seemingly mysterious behavior before seismic events.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of cats is a treasure trove of hidden facts and astonishing behaviors. From their intricate communication to their agility and mysterious origins, cats continue to leave us in awe and wonder. The next time you observe your feline friend, remember that behind those enigmatic eyes lies a wealth of fascinating secrets waiting to be discovered.